The lunchtime incident was resolved with mutual apologies among the students.The teachers, well aware of Liora's background, chose not to make a huge fuss out of it. They made the bullies' parents apologize to Liora and Chester before putting the matter to rest.The parents left as the students still had afternoon classes.Liora called Evan as she sat on the bench, joyfully swinging her legs.Chester gazed at Liora's red and swollen face from the fight and wanted to ask if she was in pain.Unlike the other girls, Liora did not cry during the ordeal, even after being beaten.In fact, Liora was in a good mood after remembering something.He found Liora to be unique, possessing an optimism he had never encountered.Evan answered the call promptly."Daddy! Can you get the bodyguards to pick me up tonight? I can help you with the matter you sought assistance with!" Liora shouted in joy.Evan was having lunch with Alex, Caroline, and Paige in the meantime.He stood up and walked
"What happened to your face?" Caroline asked with concern."She had a fight with the older kids." Evan's voice suddenly echoed.Caroline looked at him in astonishment. "You knew?"Evan nodded, his gaze on the injuries on Liora's face filled with pity. Evan would have accompanied Liora back if she hadn't mentioned that the issue was resolved and they had apologized. He wouldn't tolerate anyone bullying his daughter!Liora nestled into Caroline's arms, hugging her tightly. "It's fine, Mommy. I'm very good at fighting! I bit their arms and legs until they were bleeding! They deserved it for bullying Chester!""Chester?""Chester?!"Caroline and Evan asked simultaneously. Caroline asked, "Who is Chester?""My deskmate!" Liora sat upright, pulled out her phone, and showed Caroline and Evan a sneaky photo of Chester.Evan's expression turned solemn. Caroline said with a smile, "Yourdesk mate is very good-looking, Lia.""Yes! Even though he is not as handsome as my brothers,
Caroline contemplated Evan's refusal to consider alternatives for their daughter's schooling. She was on the verge of turning away when Tyler's furious voice echoed from the phone."No!"Startled, Caroline shifted her attention back to the conversation, perplexed by the ongoing disagreement."Liora, behave! Stop acting all cheerful just because some boy is around you!" scolded Tyler, his anger evident.Axel chimed in. "Lia, what's this boy like? He's still a classmate. Don't get too close to him.""What do you mean by getting too close? They hang out every day!" Tyler countered.Liora glared at Tyler through the phone. "How am I misbehaving, Ty? My deskmate is great! His temperament is way better than yours!""How is he great if he can't even protect you in a fight?" Tyler retorted."You don't understand! I like protecting others. Is that wrong? You're in Muricia! You can't control me!" Liora argued.Tyler's expression mirrored Evan's coldness."Liora! I won't allow you to st
Neil fell silent for a moment. Just as Caroline was about to inquire about his silence, he said, "How about you?"Caught off guard, Caroline lowered her gaze, and her grip on the phone tightened slightly. "You should go first, Neil.""You're avoiding it, right?" Neil asked.Caroline wanted to refute, but Neil continued. "I'm your brother, and I know what you're thinking about. Carol, the incident happened once. It won't happen again. Excessive worry will only put you in chains at times.""The situation with Scott is over. I feel quite relaxed now, and I have nothing to worry about." Caroline feigned her carefreeness.Neil sighed. "Do you love Evan, Carol?""Of course," answered Caroline swiftly."Why not get married then?" Neil was well aware of Caroline's reasons, but it would be easier to resolve if she acknowledged them out loud.Caroline feigned a chuckle and said, "Where did you get the idea that I don't want to get married, Neil? Evan hasn't even proposed. I can't just gi
Liora's eyes widened in shock. "How do you know, Daddy?"Evan replied, "I can make a rough guess based on what Benjamin told me and what you said earlier."Evan thought, 'Benjamin might convince Caroline, but persuading Caroline's mother might not be as effective. After all, Caroline has never met Eleanor before, and they are only connected by a family bond.'Therefore, Evan did not hold much hope for it.Liora reached out and held Evan's hand while saying, "Trust Uncle Ben, Daddy. There must be a reason why Uncle Ben said so, right?"Evan couldn't help but smile at Liora's effort to appease him."Alright then."-The next day, Caroline took Liora shopping for the items needed for the night's ceremony.Afterward, they visited the shopping mall. Caroline spent the whole morning choosing warm clothes for Liora, considering the weather turning cold soon and Benjamin's place being colder than Angelbay.Meanwhile, Evan and Alex discussed strategies for the proposal in MK's office.
Caroline glanced at the phone on the dining table, contemplating Evan's delayed response to her text or calls.Shaking her head, she remarked, "No idea. He's probably busy."Bianca checked her watch. "It's still early for midnight. Let's wait for a while."As Caroline and Bianca headed to the kitchen to do the dishes, Neil engaged in conversation with Liora in the living room."Lia, do you think this place is nice? Is it cozy?" Neil examined the villa with affection in his eyes.Liora's gaze fixed on the second floor. After a moment, she asked, "Do you want the truth, Uncle Neil?"Neil affectionately rubbed Liora's nose. "Yes, of course."Liora's expression gradually turned serious. "It's nice but not cozy due to the dark ambiance. The place hasn't been inhabited for a long time, and Grandma died by suicide here without anyone helping her pass over. Dark energy has gathered on the second floor, and just thinking about it makes me shiver from the cold."Neil's expression softene
Evan initiated a conversation with Neil upon entering the house.Liora fixed her gaze on the wall clock, promptly leaving the sofa when it struck 10:00 p.m.Without attracting anyone's attention, she stealthily ascended to the second floor.Nearing the corner, she spotted a woman seated there, clad in a white nightgown. Her long, curly hair flowed down her waist like a waterfall.The woman's facial features bore a striking resemblance to Caroline, with an added touch of gentleness. She sat upright, offering a warm smile to Liora."We've met again, Lia," Eleanor uttered gently, her words bringing solace to the ears and calmness to the heart.Liora seated herself on the ground, smiling. "Grandma."Eleanor desired to caress Liora's face, but she refrained, a hint of disappointment in her eyes. "I'm sorry that I can't give you a hug.""It's fine. Do you mind that I brought Mommy, Uncle Neil, and the others, Grandma?" Liora asked.Eleanor replied with a smile, "I know what you want
Caroline took a deep breath and walked toward Eleanor, perhaps emboldened by Evan.Eleanor's gaze wandered between their faces, and she said, "Both of you have grown up well and found your partners in the blink of an eye."Neil shed tears and sobbed soundlessly.Caroline, Evan, and Bianca saw Neil crying in such a state for the first time.Eleanor beckoned at Caroline. "Carol, come and sit with me."Caroline nodded rigidly and sat next to Eleanor with her body tensed.Eleanor looked at her smilingly. "You're still acting like a stranger."Caroline kept her lips pursed, and her gaze lowered."Or do you resent me?" Eleanor asked."I don't! I've never resented you," Caroline hastily denied it and looked at her.Eleanor said, "It is my fault indeed for leaving the two of you before you've grown up for your father."Caroline kept quiet for a moment.After all, she also had had the idea of leaving the world with Evan when she mistakenly believed that he was dead.She did not hav
Reese winced in pain. "Alright, ma'am. I guess I can read your mind? Be gentle!"Liora relaxed her grip at last. "Right, when are we going to that place you mentioned previously?""There's no rush. Your body isn't up for constant actions now. What if you get hurt by those harmful spirits again? I've already committed myself to you out of guilt. If it happens again, I won't have anything else to offer."Liora chuckled. "You make it sound like I'm desperate for your compensation.""What's wrong with that? I'm a strong, handsome man, and everyone loves me!" said Reese, displeased.Liora was astounded by his narcissism.She took a deep breath and said, "Reese.""Hmm?"Liora said, "In truth, I'm not the best choice to be your partner because of my profession. Those spirits may bother me from time to time. I'm the complete opposite of Isaac because of my negative physique.""What happens when you have a negative physique?""Spirits will be drawn to bother me and might cause me a lo
Reese and Isaac couldn't perceive the spirit, but they witnessed a dark mist dissipating before them.Isaac asked in astonishment, "What's happening, Lia?"Liora turned and answered, "The female spirit didn't want to move on, so her soul has been dissolved.""Dissolved? Do you mean her soul has been destroyed?" asked Reese. Liora nodded and looked around. "Uncle Kenny, please help me find the six spirits."Kenny took on the task and brought those fearful spirits in just a few minutes. Liora asked, "Do you want to choose the same option as her or come with me to Cross Chapel?""Cross Chapel!""We would have left long ago if we weren't trapped here by her threats!""She wouldn't let us go even in death. Aren't our lives worth anything?"After Fiery Red was gone, these spirits began to complain in anger.Liora was infuriated by their complaints. "How dare you criticize her! She may be responsible for your deaths, but what about you then? Do you think you bear no responsibil
"That's easy for you to say! Those who caused my death may have become spirits, but I still want to stop them from moving on!" Fiery Red barked. Liora frowned. "So, you're implying that those six students caused your death?""Why would I kill them otherwise?"Liora said, "It's time to let them go now that they've faced your revenge. Keeping them trapped is like trapping yourself. Why bother?""Allowing them to move on is letting them off too lightly!" Fiery Red roared. Liora said, "Your obsession is too strong and is keeping you trapped here. You're constantly hurting yourself with painful memories. If you move on properly, it will be a kind of liberation from your past.""Don't preach to me! I'll make it simple for you. It's either you die or my soul gets destroyed!" Fiery Red snapped. She was about to attack Liora just as she finished her sentence. Liora was planning to call out to Isaac when a figure suddenly showed up. Kenny rushed over and blasted away Fiery Red."Y
Tyler did not comment further upon hearing Liora's reply. In the evening, Isaac returned home from school to find Liora already there. He hurried over, brimming with excitement. "You're back, Lia! How are you feeling? Have you recovered from your injuries?"Isaac's smile stretched from ear to ear.Liora glanced at Isaac meaningfully and said, "Please do me a favor tonight, Isaac."Isaac nodded repeatedly. "Sure, are we heading to the campus?"Liora looked at Isaac in astonishment. "Are you not scared anymore?"The smile on Isaac's face faded slowly. "Spirits are scary, but I don't want to see you bullied by them again, Lia. I wanted to destroy those spirits on the same day after seeing you suffer. However, they told me to respect your decision, so I didn't do that."Liora caressed Isaac's head affectionately. "You've grown, Isaac. You know how to look out for me now."Isaac took Liora's hand and held her hand tightly in his own. "Lia, I've always cared about you. Next time you
Reese said, "Yes, you have been in love with her for 15 years and have invested a lot of time for her. However, haven't you noticed that Lia is a very rational person? As soon as she figures things out, she can move on immediately."Chester's breathing became irregular. He took two deep breaths shakily while staring at Reese. "Yes, she is more sensitive and rational than anyone else."Reese said, "I'm going to give you another analogy. If Lia chooses to be with me, what are you going to do?""Nothing. I said before that I'd respect Lia's choice no matter what. Similarly, you don't have to worry about anything else. I won't harbor any resentment because of love," Chester replied. Reese said, "In other words, you'll continue to be friends with Lia even if we end up together, is that right?"Chester frowned. "Lia and I are friends. If we can't be together, our relationship will remain the same as before. You like Lia, but you can't stop me from being friends with her, Reese."Reese
Reese raised his right arm and said, "My entire right arm was covered in blood at the time. I watched the removal of rotten flesh from your back with my own eyes. I couldn't sleep peacefully for days.""That's easy! Just get the doctor to prescribe sleeping pills to you. You will be able to sleep better, right?" Liora said while giggling. Reese crouched down next to the bed, smiling. "Lia, are you mad at me?"Liora was confused. "Mad at you? For what?"Reese scratched his nose. "If I didn't take you there, you wouldn't have gotten injured."Liora took a glance at him, astounded. "This has nothing to do with you taking me there. It's the ignorant spirits. I'll deal with them all once I recover!""You still want to go back there?" Reese exclaimed. "Yes, of course! Hades will be delighted if I can send the seven spirits to him," Liora said. Reese looked at the joyous smile on Liora's face, feeling guilty. "I was hoping that you'd scold me instead of talking to me so casually."
Reese sent away Tyler and the other, surging them to get some rest while he remained seated, his gaze fixed on Liora.She slept peacefully, her chest rising and falling slowly with each breath. Meanwhile, a nurse approached. Reese noticed her and hastily stood up. "Hello, nurse."The nurse asked, "How can I help you?"Reese said, "May I inquire when Liora can be transferred out of the ICU?"The nurse said, "I'm not too sure about that. It depends on the healing of her wounds and vital signs. She has the most extensive wound that I've ever seen on a girl. She might end up with scars…"The nurse opened the door and walked inside upon saying that. Reese was overwhelmed by a sense of guilt as he thought of the debt he owed to Liora. He knew he could never fully repay it in this lifetime.-Three days later, Liora was transferred out of the ICU.After learning about the incident, Caroline and Evan rushed to the hospital. They were heartbroken to see Liora lying prone on the be
Fear and worry flooded Reese's mind, making it impossible for him to sleep. He opened his eyes and looked at the sky through the skylight. Reese could not help Liora in her profession, so he wondered if he could help out in her safety. He thought about it before he grabbed his phone to text Tyler. Reese: [Can you tell me where Ms. Yelena is staying?]Soon, Tyler texted Yelena's hotel and room number. Reese: [Thank you, my friend.]Tyler sneered.Tyler: [I haven't settled the score with you over Lia's predicament.]Reese: [I'll accept any punishment you deem necessary. It was my mistake, and I'll take responsibility for it.]There was no reply from Tyler afterward.Reese did not send another text, so he started the car and drove to the hotel. -Half an hour later, Reese arrived at the door of Yelena's room. He pondered briefly before knocking on the door. Soon, he heard a response. "Coming."Yelena opened the door and was surprised to find Reese. "Are you the lad fro
Liora opened her palm. The outline of the charm was vague, but she could feel its intense energy. She took a deep breath and stood up. After sensing her movement, the spirits glanced at her. Liora turned to look at them and felt the same feeling that stopped her from leaving again!Suppressing the fear, Liora braced herself to walk out of the door.The closer she got to the door, the more intense the gloomy presence became—she felt as if her soul was being crushed. "Don't be scared, Lia!""Try to walk out, Lia! They won't hurt you!""Lia! Axel, Ty, Mr. Gates, and I are waiting for you!"Αfter hearing their voices, Liora shed tears. She gnashed her teeth and continued to stride toward the door, which seemed so close yet remained out of reach. She took a deep breath, raised her hand with the charm, and attempted to walk closer. This time, the spirits all turned to look at her. They rushed forward in unison when they sensed Liora was about to touch the door. Sensing t